Threat of AI and Job Loss Pushing 6 in 10 Gen Zers Toward Blue-Collar Work

Instead of office jobs, Gen Z is gravitating toward the trades, driven by concerns about AI and job security.

In October 2025, ResumeTemplates.com surveyed 1,250 Gen Z adults about their views on blue-collar work and future career plans.

Highlights:

• 3 in 5 Gen Zers plan to pursue blue-collar work in 2026, including half of those with college degrees or higher
• Nearly half believe blue-collar jobs offer better long-term security than corporate work, largely due to the threat of AI-driven job loss
• Top trades Gen Zers are pursuing include construction, electrical work, plumbing, and automotive repair

3 in 5 Gen Zers Will Pursue Blue-Collar Work in 2026

Three in five Gen Zers are currently working in a trade, compared to 39% who hold white-collar or corporate jobs. Looking ahead, 28% say they’re very likely to work in the trades by 2026, and another 32% say they’re somewhat likely to do so.

Even among Gen Zers with higher education, interest in blue-collar work remains strong: 22% of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher say they’re very likely to pursue a trade in 2026, and 28% say they’re somewhat likely.

When they graduated high school, only 25% thought they would pursue a trade, while 35% were unsure and 40% didn’t expect to. The shift highlights a growing openness to hands-on careers among younger workers.

“Many young adults are questioning whether college debt is worth it and are instead exploring blue-collar careers that offer solid income, skill development, and long-term security,” says  ResumeTemplates.com’s Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre. “As older generations retire, these roles will open up, and unlike many corporate jobs, they’re not likely to be replaced by AI.”

AI Is Driving Gen Z To Seek Out Blue-Collar Work

Nearly half of Gen Zers (47%) believe blue-collar jobs offer better long-term security than corporate roles. Among those who view trades as more secure, 80% say it’s because these roles can’t be replaced by AI. Others point to the fact that the work can’t be offshored (38%) or that it tends to be more recession-proof (32%).

Job security is the top motivator for those planning to enter the trades by 2026. Twenty-seven percent say they’re primarily drawn to blue-collar work for its stability, 26% because it aligns with their skills, and 23% because it offers the highest earning potential. Fourteen percent say it’s their passion, while 7% say it’s the field they’re most qualified for.

Most Popular Career Paths Are Construction, Electrical Work, and Automotive Repair

Among Gen Zers planning to work in the trades in 2026, the most popular paths are construction (21%), electrical work (10%), manufacturing (9%), plumbing (7%), and automotive repair (6%). Other common career goals include HVAC, truck driving, and welding.

“These trades are appealing because they offer opportunity, training, and good pay,” says Toothacre. “For entrepreneurial Gen Zers, it may eventually lead to owning their own business. They also provide flexibility, which aligns with one of Gen Z’s top workplace values. That said, it’s important to remember that blue-collar work can take a physical toll over time. While these jobs may be rewarding now, they can lead to wear and tear or health challenges later in life.”

Methodology: In October 2025, ResumeTemplates.com surveyed a national sample of 1,250 U.S. Gen Z adults through the Pollfish platform. All respondents were required to have at least a high school diploma to qualify. Among those surveyed, 41% were high school graduates, 20% had completed some college, 9% held an associate degree, and 21% held a bachelor’s degree. Smaller groups reported postgraduate education, including 4% with a master’s degree and 1% with a doctorate.